← Search all jobs

Area Manager-C/D

Ford Motor

Sterling Heights, MI · Posted October 12, 2026

See every open role at Ford Motor

More in Michigan job market · Manufacturing & Industrial

About the job

At Ford Motor Company, we are taking our Area Managers to the next level. These talented employees are responsible for leading change efforts within the plant in order to meet global manufacturing standards. They support employees by removing barriers to their success, and developing their knowledge, skills, and abilities.

At Ford Motor Company, we are dedicated to designing, manufacturing and selling high-quality vehicles that meet the diverse needs of our customers. We believe our employees and the different perspectives that they bring to the business are the driving force behind our success. Come discover a company that is focused on the quality of our vehicles, the environment, the community and the world in which we live.

In this position...

At Ford Motor Company, we are taking our Area Managers to the next level. This member of the plant leadership team is responsible for leading change efforts within the plant in order to meet global manufacturing standards. They will support employees by removing barriers to their success, and developing their knowledge, skills, and abilities.

What you'll do...

Lead the development, delivery and report out of the SQDCPME objectives and Master Schedule for their area

Responsible for day-to-day achievement for their area SQDCPME targets

Implement and coach the Ford Production System operating systems and processes within their area and ensure adherence

Ensure stability within their area by focusing on inputs, processes and the required outputs

Drive Continuous Improvement and provide the necessary resource to their teams to support problem resolution

Coach, teach, provide support and feedback on problem resolution and continuous improvement

Advance their organization through developing highly competent and motivated people

Develop “Leaders as Teachers” at all levels of the organization. Ensure employees receive the necessary training, coaching and experiences to raise their performance level and advance the organization

Develop and provide feedback for salaried staff personal development

Develop and implement effective area communication and recognition processes

Create a robust and sustainable relationship with the Union in support of the company’s core values.

You'll have...

Education: High School diploma, some post-secondary (college or skilled trades)

Experience: Broad production experience

Strong ability to interface with plant hourly, salaried personnel and plant management

Strong ability to present in front of senior management

Ability to teach Ford Production System principles

Competent in the use of data for decision making

Excellent leadership skills with demonstrated ability to resolve diverse problems

Work well under pressure and to be able to work under crisis management when necessary

Ability to work and multi-task in fast paced environment

Successful candidate must be able to demonstrate servant leadership behaviors combined with outstanding interpersonal, teambuilding and communication skills.

Even better, you may have...

Education: Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or technical field

Experience: Team Manager/People Leader experience in manufacturing operations

Gear manufacturing and/or gear engineering experience, including exposure to gear cutting, grinding, honing, inspection, and dimensional control processes

Experience with blanking operations, including material preparation, part flow, tooling, quality checks, and production throughput in a high-volume manufacturing environment

Knowledge of heat treat processes and related controls, including distortion management, case depth/hardness requirements, quench systems, and metallurgical quality standards

Understanding of machining, tooling, gauging, and process capability methods used to drive quality, throughput, scrap reduction, and equipment uptime

Ability to partner effectively with Manufacturing Engineering, Product Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Skilled Trades, MP&L, and hourly teams to resolve technical and production issues

Experience supporting launch, constraint management, continuous improvement, and problem-solving activities within powertrain, transmission, axle, or component manufacturing

Computer skills, including ability to use production, quality, maintenance, and data analysis systems to support fact-based decision making

Strong analytical skill and quick decision-making capability preferred

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:

Immediate medical, dental, and prescription drug coverage

Flexible family care, parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up childcare and more

Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more

Vehicle discount program for employees and family members, and management leases

Tuition assistance

Established and active employee resource groups

Paid time off for individual and team community service

A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day

Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

This position is leadership level 5 and ranges from $138,240-261,720.

For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/LL5

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

#LI-Onsite

#LI-SB7